Two gunmen shot dead at least 11 people on Sunday at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, police said. One gunman was fatally shot by police and the second arrested.
The suspect was in critical condition, authorities said. A massive emergency response was underway, with injured people loaded into ambulances.
At least 29 people were confirmed wounded, according to a statement by police in New South Wales state, where Sydney is located. Two of those hurt were police officers.
Australian authorities haven't confirmed what the target of the mass shooting was. Hundreds had gathered for an event at Bondi Beach called Chanukah by the Sea, that was celebrating the start of the Hanukkah Jewish festival.
Police said their operation was “ongoing" and that a “number of suspicious items located in the vicinity” were being examined by specialist officers.
Dramatic footage apparently filmed by a member of the public and broadcast on Australian television channels showed someone appearing to tackle and disarm one of the gunmen, before pointing the man's weapon at him.
Emergency services were called to Campbell Parade about 6.45 p.m. responding to reports of shots being fired, The Associated Press quoted police as saying.
Local news outlets spoke to distressed and bloody bystanders who witnessed the horror. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns described the reports and images coming from the scene as “deeply distressing."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his thoughts were with all those affected,
“The scenes in Bondi are shocking and distressing,” he said. “Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives.”
According to Agence France Presse, Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack as a "cruel attack on Jews" and urged the Australian authorities to step up the fight against antisemitism.
A British tourist told AFP he saw "two shooters in black" after the gunfire broke out.
"There was a shooting, two shooters in black with semi-automatic rifles," Timothy Brant-Coles told AFP, saying he saw multiple people who had been shot and wounded.
